NICHOLAS COUNTY, Ky. — Several families in Nicholas County are upset after getting turned down for help from FEMA, nearly two months after historic flooding barreled through the community.
What You Need To Know
- FEMA denied Gov. Beshear's request for a major disaster declaration for Nicholas County
- A federal assessment by the governor's office determined an estimated $3.8 million in damages
- Beshear plans on appealing the decision
- 88 homes and 29 businesses were impacted by the flooding
The aftermath and frustration from the recent floods affecting the Carlisle community are still being felt by many, especially Walden Pridemore.
"Everything we had gained through the years went out the door. Everything down here was destroyed," Pridemore said. "It was like four feet of water in the house, everybody’s houses, and just gushed up every way in the world in the house."
Walden and his wife are still living on the property, trying to figure out the next steps, but the damage left behind is gut-wrenching.
"We have no other choice but to repair and stay because at our age, you wouldn’t want to try and buy a new home," Pridemore said.
The 71-year-old retiree showed Spectrum News 1 around his now-empty home that he has lived in for five years. Pridemore and his neighbors were hoping FEMA funding could help them pay for the massive clean up effort.
"Everybody was waiting to see what to do before they did anything they wanted to see if they had any help to get back in their house," said one Carlisle resident.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has rejected a request by Gov. Andy Beshear to provide disaster relief to people for homes and businesses that were damaged by the floods.
"We believe the reasons that it was denied is that this disaster was more localized than just about any that we’ve ever seen not just to a small town, but almost to a small part of a small town," Beshear said.
Pridemore said he's confused and disappointed.
"They’re not in a good frame of mind the way they did about it when they denied it, but yet they never even came to look," Pridemore said.
In light of these new developments, the state is appealing the decision.
"We are going to push, we’re going to appeal the extension this state of emergency will hopefully give us additional options that we consider with the legislature," Beshear explained
While Pridemore continues to get his life back in order, he's thankful for the community support.
"When you’re in need of help and you're in a bad situation, this little town couldn’t be any better to the neighbors that lost stuff because they were always there." Pridemore said.
The Carlisle Christian Church donated 400 dollars worth of gift cards to the Pridemore’s to help with restoration.